Boerderij van Laeken 1617 - 1673

Lucas van Uden created this print, "Boerderij van Laeken," sometime in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic experienced its Golden Age, marked by economic prosperity and cultural flourishing. Here, van Uden presents an idyllic scene of rural life. Two women are central to the composition. One carries goods on her head, while the other appears to be milking a cow. Cattle populate the background, peacefully grazing and milling. In the historical context of the Dutch Golden Age, the image also speaks volumes about the social realities of the time. While the Dutch Republic was prosperous, the lives of ordinary people, especially women, were still bound by labor and domesticity. This print invites us to reflect on the untold stories of women. It serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional labor and sacrifices that often go unnoticed in grand historical narratives.